By Tekena Amieyeofori
The Armed Forces of Nigeria says it rescued more than 40 people abducted for ransom and apprehended over 20 suspected terrorists, their collaborators and other criminals in nationwide operations carried out between July 10 and July 16.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known on Saturday in Abuja while giving an update on military activities across the country.
According to him, troops also eliminated several insurgents and broke up criminal syndicates during the period.
He said the crackdown on terrorists was coordinated by troops under Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, Delta Safe and Udo Ka, working alongside other security agencies and local vigilantes.
North-East
Mr Onoja said Operation Hadin Kai mounted pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East. The effort led to the surrender by 10 family members of terrorists , arrest of six suspected logistics suppliers and other collaborators, and the release of 13 abducted persons.
Troops also stopped infiltration attempts around Maiduguri, killed terrorists in ambushes, and arrested a suspected foreign spy at Mallam Fatori in Borno State.
North-West
Under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops arrested terrorist collaborators, killed three terrorists and rescued 14 kidnap victims in different operations in Zamfara and Kebbi.
They also recovered vehicles and other items from fleeing fighters and repelled attacks on multiple communities.
North-Central
Operation Savannah Shield rescued four kidnap victims in Niger and Kwara. In Kwara, forest guards killed a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a Dane gun.
Operation Enduring Peace intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna, arrested wanted suspects in Plateau, and rescued four kidnap victims after thwarting attacks on major highways.
Operation Whirl Stroke arrested an ammunition courier with 60 rounds in Nasarawa and four suspected terrorist collaborators in Kogi. The same troop also rescued a school principal, a NECO official and two students abducted at an exam centre in Dekina LGA, Kogi, after sustained pressure forced their abductors to abandon them.
South-South
Operation Delta Safe continued its crackdown on crude oil theft, discovering and destroying illegal refineries in Rivers State containing stolen crude and refining equipment.
Troops also killed two suspected kidnappers in Edo, recovered three rifles with ammunition, and rescued three abductees.
South-East
Operation UDO KA arrested suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group, recovered arms and ammunition, and freed two abducted persons along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway.
Mr. Onoja noted that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and commitment across all theatres.
According to him, the CDS also applauded the intelligence-led collaboration among security agencies that led to the unconditional rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity without any concession to the abductors.
He called on Nigerians to keep supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring that operations will continue until peace and stability are fully restored nationwide.